Avalanche risk could increase this weekend

SUNVALLEY, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The winter storm headed our way this weekend could bring a lot of snow to the higher elevations -- and that may mean a higher risk of avalanches.

The Sawtooth Avalanche Center says because we haven’t had new snow over the past few weeks, the snow surface has become really weak. Once we get that new snow, it could be too heavy and trigger an avalanche.

We spoke with the center’s director about how to stay safe if you plan to go out and enjoy the fresh powder.

“Number one is check the avalanche forecast at sawtooth avalanche dot com each morning before you head out, it will give you some good information, and if you just want to take avalanches completely off the table so you don’t have to worry about them, you can just stay off of and out from beneath all slopes steeper than 30 degrees,” says Sawtooth Avalanche Center’s Director, Scott Savage.

According to the Avalanche Center, a 30-degree slope is about an intermediate or a blue run at a ski area. You’re much less likely to get caught in an avalanche if you stay away from those steep slopes.

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